Spin dynamics of 3d heavy fermion compound LaMn4Al8

• Published in: Physica. B, Condensed matter Vol. 378-80; pp. 675 - 676
• Main Authors: LEAVEY, C. J, RAINFORD, B. D, STEWART, J. R, ADROJA, D. T
• Format: Conference Proceeding Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier 01-05-2006
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Exact sciences and technology; General theory and models of magnetic ordering; Magnetic properties and materials; Magnetically ordered materials: other intrinsic properties; Physics; Spin chain models; Valence fluctuation, kondo lattice, and heavy-fermion phenomena; Antiferromagnetism; 71.27.+a Spin dynamics; Spin fluctuations; Inelastic neutron scattering; Heavy fermions; Sommerfeld constant; Spin chain; Critical phenomena; Neutron diffusion; Spin dynamics; Critical fluctuations; Inelastic scattering; 3d heavy fermion
• ISSN: 0921-4526; 1873-2135
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physb.2006.01.189

Yamasaki et al. have suggested that LaMn4Al8 is a nearly antiferromagnetic metal with linear chains of Mn atoms. The Sommerfeld constant for LaMn4Al8 gamma=265mJ/molK2 is comparable to values found in other 3d heavy fermions such as (YSc)Mn2 and beta-Mn. We have shown that LaMn4Al8 displays antiferromagnetic order below 15K. Here we present inelastic neutron scattering data on LaMn4Al8. The magnetic scattering in LaMn4Al8 has two components: a broad inelastic response centred near 30meV and a narrower quasielastic response whose width and weight change with temperature. We attribute the latter to near-critical spin fluctuations.